Our February Asia Adventure: A Memorable Journey with Qatar Airways
- Gelie Esportuno-Haferbecker
- Jul 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Join us for a mini adventure through Doha’s Hamad International Airport—watch it at the end of this blog.
A Comfortable Start to Our Journey
During our recent journey to Asia in February, we chose an economy flight with Qatar Airways, transiting through its main hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Departing Germany in the evening worked well for us, as it allowed us to settle in for the nearly six-hour flight and get some rest along the way. From the start, the experience felt smooth and well-organized.
One thing we appreciated right away was the thoughtful set of in-flight amenities provided at our seats. The welcome pack included earbuds, a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, a sleep mask, a blanket, and a pillow. Small details that made a noticeable difference on a long-haul flight. These comforts made it easier to relax, rest, and arrive feeling more refreshed.
In-Flight Comfort & Entertainment
Qatar Airways’ economy cabin felt thoughtfully designed and surprisingly comfortable for a long-haul journey. Each seat is equipped with a personal touchscreen powered by Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system.
The entertainment selection is impressively extensive, offering a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games to suit different tastes and ages. From the latest film releases to classic favorites and full TV series, there’s no shortage of options to pass the time. Whether you’re in the mood to relax with a movie, binge a few episodes, or simply listen to music, the system provides plenty of choices to keep you comfortably entertained throughout the flight.
The noise-cancelling headphones helped create a quieter, more immersive experience, while onboard Wi-Fi allowed us to stay connected when needed. Nearly every seat also includes USB ports and power outlets, making it easy to keep phones, tablets, and other devices charged. These practical features added to the overall convenience and made the flight pass by quickly.
Brief Layover at Hamad International Airport
Our layover at Hamad International Airport was relatively short, but it left a lasting impression. Rather than feeling rushed or crowded, the airport felt calm, bright, and spacious. Wide walkways, high ceilings, and modern design elements gave it more the feel of a luxury shopping destination than a typical transit airport.
Despite the limited time, navigating the airport was easy and efficient. Clear signage and helpful staff made it simple to find our way between gates, which is especially appreciated during international transfers.
A Moment of Calm at The Orchard
One of the highlights of our layover was visiting The Orchard, Hamad International Airport’s indoor tropical garden. This beautifully designed space features hundreds of trees, thousands of plants, and a striking central waterfall that instantly creates a peaceful atmosphere. It was a refreshing contrast to the usual airport environment and a wonderful place to pause and recharge.
Scattered throughout the garden are wooden teepees that offer quiet spots for resting or simply taking in the surroundings. A convenient tram system connects the airport’s concourse nodes, allowing travelers to move around easily without long walks. Especially helpful for those with tight connections or heavy carry-ons.

Exploring the Amenities
Hamad International Airport offers an impressive range of amenities that truly enhance the travel experience. From high-end shopping and duty-free boutiques to a wide variety of dining options, there’s something to suit every traveler. We spent some time browsing a few shops and enjoying a light snack before our next flight.
One detail we especially appreciated was the presence of quiet nooks near the gates. These thoughtfully designed spaces offered comfortable seating and a more relaxed atmosphere—perfect for resting, reading, or simply taking a moment away from the busier areas of the terminal. Combined with the airport’s sleek design and calm layout, these small touches made the layover feel far more comfortable and unhurried.
Our Final Thoughts
Overall, our experience flying with Qatar Airways and transiting through Hamad International Airport exceeded our expectations. The airline’s economy-class service provided the comforts needed for a restful journey, while the airport itself turned a simple layover into a memorable part of the trip.
If you’re considering airlines for long-haul travel or evaluating transit airports, Qatar Airways and DOH set a strong example of how both air travel and layovers can be handled with care, comfort, and attention to detail. We would gladly choose this route again for future journeys.
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